- Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; fragrance free
- Reduce likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times by treating shoes and socks with Permethrin (University of Rhode Island study - 2017); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Picaridin topical repellent for the skin
- Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, when outdoors, camping, hunting, or on travel
- Ideal for backpacking, backyard BBQs, hunting, and other outdoor activities, it's effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme) and mosquitoes (West Nile & Zika) to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more
- Sawyer Permethrin stays effective despite sweat or water, degrades via UV exposure or washing machine agitation; each 24-ounce trigger spray bottle treats 5 outfits (EPA now reconmends 4.5 ounces per outfit consisting of shirt, pants, and socks)
From the manufacturer
Permethrin-treated clothing and outdoor gear is your first line of defense against insects.
About Sawyer
Since 1984, Sawyer Products has offered technologically advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries -- everything from first aid kits developed for wilderness to point-of-use water filters that filter contaminated water to levels cleaner than U.S. bottled water.
Insect Repellent Treatment for Clothing, Gear, and Tents
Effective against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and mites for up to 6 weeks
For use on clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear, Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent not only repels insects, it actually kills mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, mites, and more than 55 other kinds of insects on contact. Odorless after drying, Permethrin will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or any of your gear.
Use Permethrin on clothing by itself or with skin-applied repellents to create the ultimate protective, armor-like insect barrier.
- Effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (West Nile and Zika viruses) to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more
- Single application lasts up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) of sun exposure
- 24-ounce trigger spray bottle treats up to 5 complete outfits (12-ounce trigger spray treats up to 2 outfits).
- 18-ounce aerosol spray treats up to 4 complete outfits (9-ounce aerosol treats 2 outfits).
- A complete outfit consists of a shirt, pants, and pair of socks; updated EPA dosage is 4.5 ounces of Permethrin per outfit to be effective
- Synthetic version of pyrethrum (naturally derived from chrysanthemum flower), repellent has been treating uniforms for the U.S. and Canadian militaries for almost 30 years.
- Sawyer Permethrin does not come out from sweat or water contact. It only degrades via UV exposure or the agitation of a washing machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Permethrin Work?
Permethrin is applied to clothing and outdoor gear material, bonding to the fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first). When a tick, mosquito, or other insect comes into contact with Permethrin, it absorbs a dose that will either repel or kill the insect. Applied to clothing, tents, outdoor furniture, or sleeping bags, Permethrin is very effective at reducing the mosquito population in your camping area and keeping ticks from attaching to you.
Sawyer Permethrin uses the same active ingredient found in hair shampoos for head lice. However, because your skin breaks down Permethrin within fifteen minutes of contact, it's not useful as a personal protection insect repellent when applied to the skin.
Permethrin-treated clothing and fabric should be your first line of defense, and it can be used in conjunction with a topical skin-based repellent such as Sawyer's Picaridin, and MAXI DEET.
What Can I Treat with Permethrin?
In addition to clothing and accessories like hats and waders, Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent is ideal for treating backpacks, tents, camp furniture, hammocks, mosquito netting, luggage, and even bed sheets. Since mosquitoes are better hoppers than flyers, adding more Permethrin-treated landing surfaces around you will improve your protection.
Permethrin is compatible for use even on fragile fabrics such as silk, plus all synthetics and waterproof membrane fabrics (won't affect plastics or finishes). While Permethrin is safe and compatible with almost all fabrics, it has an easier time bonding to soft fabrics like cottons, wools, and synthetic blends.
Permethrin Tips & Tricks
- For optimal protection, apply a topical repellent to exposed skin.
- Hand wash and air dry to preserve application. Select gentle wash and dry cycles.
- Store garments in dark plastic bags between uses to help preserve application.
- For luggage, spray inside your bags when you travel to avoid transporting insects back home.
- Do not expose cats to wet Permethrin (dried Permethrin-treated fabric has no effect).
- Sawyer Permethrin stays effective despite sweat or water.
- Permethrin degrades via UV exposure or washing machine agitation.
How Do I Apply Permethrin Safely?
Sawyer recommends that you treat clothing and gear with Permethrin outdoors in a well-ventilated area. If the treatment is accidentally carried out indoors, no adverse health effects are expected based upon calculations of inhaled dose. However, individuals with breathing problems, such as asthma, may be at greater risk. The odor arising from treating fabric with Permethrin is mostly from the aerosol propellants rather than from the insect repellent itself.
To apply, lightly moisten the fabric of the garment with a slow sweeping motion, keeping the bottle about 6 to 8 inches away and treating each side of the garment for about 30 seconds. Sawyer Permethrin should not be added to a washing machine for treatment — it should be sprayed directly onto clothing and gear.
Can I Use Permethrin on My Dog?
Sawyer Permethrin can be applied to dogs. It safely bonds with dog's hair and penetrates the skin to help control mosquitoes, fleas, ticks for up to 6 weeks (including ticks that can carry Lyme disease, Powassan, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), and lice for up to 35 days. To apply, start spraying at the tail, moving the dispenser rapidly to cover entire body (including the legs and underbody).
While spraying, fluff hair so that the spray will penetrate to the skin. Make sure spray wets thoroughly, but do not saturate. Do not spray into eyes and face. Avoid contact with genitalia. Wear rubber gloves or mitts when applying. Do not use on puppies under twelve weeks. Consult a veterinarian before using this product on debilitated, medicated, aged, pregnant or nursing animals.